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A review by melaniereadsbooks
Aetherbound by E.K. Johnston
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Thank you to Penguin Teen and Netgalley for the arc of this book!
Can we talk about how gorgeous this cover is?!
Pendt grew up knowing she was only worth the good she could do for the spaceship and her Family, and that her body was worth more than herself. On Brannick station, Ned and Fisher strain against the way they are trapped in their roles by their genetic heritage. The three make an alliance that seems to get what each of them want, but as the threat of the empire and Pendt's family looms, they will have to pull off unlikely schemes to survive.
I really enjoyed the plot of this book! I was immediately hooked with Pendt's personality and her struggles with her family. She is such a strong character and was able to stay soft and caring even through her upbringing. I also immediately loved Fisher when his pov started. I loved the found family aspect and enjoyed the building relationships between Ned, Fisher, and Pendt.
My complaint about this book is that it felt like it was building up to something that it never got to. I'm not sure if this is supposed to be a series or not, but this entire book kind of felt like an extended exposition that was building up to something. It almost felt like a prequel? I really enjoyed the story, but it just felt like more action needed to happen. The pacing was a little strange, and every time I started to really enjoy a section it would change. I definitely think this could continue into a series with more action.
That being said, I would definitely read this again and really loved the plot and characters!
Pub Date: May 25, 2021
Can we talk about how gorgeous this cover is?!
Pendt grew up knowing she was only worth the good she could do for the spaceship and her Family, and that her body was worth more than herself. On Brannick station, Ned and Fisher strain against the way they are trapped in their roles by their genetic heritage. The three make an alliance that seems to get what each of them want, but as the threat of the empire and Pendt's family looms, they will have to pull off unlikely schemes to survive.
I really enjoyed the plot of this book! I was immediately hooked with Pendt's personality and her struggles with her family. She is such a strong character and was able to stay soft and caring even through her upbringing. I also immediately loved Fisher when his pov started. I loved the found family aspect and enjoyed the building relationships between Ned, Fisher, and Pendt.
My complaint about this book is that it felt like it was building up to something that it never got to. I'm not sure if this is supposed to be a series or not, but this entire book kind of felt like an extended exposition that was building up to something. It almost felt like a prequel? I really enjoyed the story, but it just felt like more action needed to happen. The pacing was a little strange, and every time I started to really enjoy a section it would change. I definitely think this could continue into a series with more action.
That being said, I would definitely read this again and really loved the plot and characters!
Pub Date: May 25, 2021
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Child abuse, Confinement, Eating disorder, Medical content, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Medical trauma, and Pregnancy
Minor: Animal death, Body horror, Gore, Blood, and Grief